Question 1

Can international visitors rent a car in San Francisco

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can rent a car as a foreigner in San Francisco. However, you will need a valid international driving permit (IDP) along with your home country driver’s license. Additionally, be prepared to provide a credit card for the deposit and reservation. Rental requirements may vary by company, so it's a good idea to check with the car hire provider or use our website, VoyageCopilot.com, to find car hire options and requirements for international drivers.

Question 2

How can I get to and from the Airport to the city center of San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

Hiring a car at the airport is a convenient option that allows you to drive directly to the city centre of San Francisco and explore at your own pace. Alternatively, you can use airport shuttle services, public transport like buses or trains, or take a taxi or rideshare service for a direct connection.

Question 3

Why is a Credit Card required for car hire in San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

To rent a car in San Francisco, a credit card is typically required to secure your reservation and cover any potential surcharges, such as tolls, damages, or fuel. Major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, or Discover are accepted for this purpose. The credit card must be in the primary driver's name to ensure financial responsibility for the vehicle. While some locations may accept debit cards, they often require additional documentation or a credit check. For a hassle-free hire experience, it's advisable to use a major credit card like Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.

Question 4

Do I need to return the car with a full tank of gas?

Accepted Answer

Whether you need to return the car with a full tank of gas depends on the fuel policy you select. With a full-to-full or same-to-same policy, you must return the vehicle with the same level of fuel it had when you picked it up. If you don’t, you’ll incur a charge for the missing fuel, usually at a rate higher than local gas stations. Alternatively, you can choose to prepay for a full tank, which means you won't need to refuel the car before returning it. However, this option typically results in a higher overall cost, as you’ll be charged the local gas price minus a discount per gallon.

Question 5

Can I hire a car in San Francisco and return it to a different location??

Accepted Answer

Yes, many car hire companies allow you to pick up a car in San Francisco and drop it off at another location. For example: Thrifty, budget, Payless. This is known as a one-way car hire and is ideal for travelers who do not plan to return to their starting point. When searching for deals with VoyageCopilot, simply unselect 'Return to same location' to see one-way options available.

Question 6

Can I use a debit card to rent a car in San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

Using a debit card to rent a car in San Francisco is sometimes possible, but policies vary by rental company. Many suppliers require a credit card, such as Visa, MasterCard, or American Express, for the deposit and reservation. If you only have a debit card, check with the rental provider beforehand or use our website, VoyageCopilot.com, to find car hire options that accept debit cards.

Question 7

What is the process for returning a car in San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

To return a car in San Francisco station, ensure that the vehicle is in the same condition as when you rented it and that the fuel tank is full. Follow the signs to the designated return area at the car hire location. If you need to return the vehicle outside of regular business hours, look for any instructions or an after-hours drop-off box at the return area. It’s a good idea to confirm with the car hire company beforehand about their off-hour procedures to ensure a smooth return process. Be sure to complete any required paperwork or check-in steps as instructed.

Question 8

Can I hire car seats in San Francisco for my young children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Most major car hire companies in San Francisco, like Thrifty, budget, Dollar,  and , offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.

Question 9

How much does it cost to hire a Compact car in San Francisco for a week?

Accepted Answer

The car hire price for an Compact in San Francisco is approximately HK$280 for a week (HK$405 per day), based on data from the past 48 hours. Please note that prices may vary frequently due to changes in demand. For the most accurate and current pricing, start a search with us at VoyageCopilot.

Question 10

What is a one-way fee?

Accepted Answer

A one-way fee is applied when you return your hire car to a different location than where you originally picked it up. This fee helps cover the cost of relocating the vehicle back to its starting point. The amount of the one-way fee varies depending on the locations involved and the hire company's policies. Be sure to check the fee details when booking your hire to understand any additional charges that may apply.

Question 11

How much does it cost to hire a Special car in San Francisco for a week?

Accepted Answer

The price for renting an Special in San Francisco is approximately HK$280 for a week (HK$405 per day), based on our data from the past 72 hours. However, prices can fluctuate frequently due to varying demand. To find the exact current price, start a search with us at VoyageCopilot.

Question 12

What is the cheapest car to rent in San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

The most affordable car to hire in San Francisco is a Compact (Kia Soul), with the latest price we found at HK$405 per day.

Car Hire Company	Telephone	Pickup Type	Location
Payless	650-539-6400	Desk in terminal	San Francisco - Airport, 1409 Rollins Road
yesaway	001 6504666123/+1 4242785418	Desk in terminal	SAN FRANCISCO INTL AP, 1288 Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA
reach rental	001-6263717777	Desk in terminal	819 Mitten Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA
Sixt	+1-8887498227	Check when booking	780 N McDonnell Rd
Thrifty	8772830898	Desk in terminal	780 MCDONNELL RD
Budget	+1 6508770998	Desk in terminal	San Francisco International Airport, 780, McDonnell Road, San Francisco, USA, 94128
Icar Lifestyle	1-3109266999	Meet and greet	San Francisco, CA 94128美国
YESAWAY	+1-4248004990	Desk in terminal	San Francisco International Airport（contact +1 6504666123）
Budget	650-877-0998	Desk in terminal	San Francisco International Ap, 780 Mcdonnell Road San Francisco Intl Apo

Car Hire Company	Telephone	Pickup Type	Location
Economy		check_when_booking	Fort Lauderdale - Edgewood, 111 Sw 33rd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL, US, 33316
Budget	650-637-1832	check_when_booking	Belmont Ca, 1501 El Camino Real Suite 201 El Mercado Shopping Center
AVIS	650-594-2847	check_when_booking	Belmont, 1501 El Camino Real Suite 201 El Mercado Shopping Center
Budget	650-287-2680	check_when_booking	Foster City,Ca Dt, 1133 Chess Drive
Budget		check_when_booking	San Francisco - Harbor Way, 230, Harbor Way, South San Francisco, USA, 94080
AVIS		check_when_booking	South San Francisco - The East Side, 230 Harbor Way, San Francisco, US, 94080
Budget	650-837-9095	check_when_booking	South San Francisco, 230 Harbor Way
AVIS		check_when_booking	San Francisco - Harbor Way, 230, Harbor Way, San Francisco, USA, 94080
Budget	650-837-9095	check_when_booking	So San Francisco, 230 Harbor Way

Car Hire in San Francisco, United States

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Cheap Car Hire Deals in San Francisco

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San Francisco City Car Hire Reviews

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Dollar

Alamo

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Enterprise

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FOX RENT A CAR

National

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Car hire locations at or near bus and train stations in San Francisco

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Hiring a Car in San Francisco: Good to Know

Average daily price

Best time to book

Car hire company in San Francisco

Pickup locations in San Francisco

Most popular car type

Cheapest price found

Most popular provider

Airport locations

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How to Find the Cheap Car Hire Deal in San Francisco

Familiarize Yourself with the Vehicle

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Book now, cancel later

Compare Insurance Options: Free Excess vs. Not Free

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Understand Mileage Policies

Choose a fuel policy that saves you money.

Know Local Traffic Rules

Find Cheap Car Hire Deals from San Francisco: FAQs